Dragon Ball: Sparking Zero Breaks Steam Records Before Launch

Dragon Ball: Sparking Zero has already made gaming history by becoming Steam's most-played fighting game ever, and it hasn't even officially launched yet. Powered by the massive popularity of the Dragon Ball franchise, this game was always expected to be a hit, but its early success suggests it could become one of the biggest titles of 2024.

Initially announced last year, Dragon Ball: Sparking Zero entered early access on October 7. Although the game’s official release is scheduled for October 10, those who purchased the Deluxe or Ultimate edition were able to dive into the action ahead of time.

Against all expectations, Dragon Ball: Sparking Zero reached a peak of 90,186 concurrent players during its early access period, making it the most-played fighting game in Steam’s history. This staggering number eclipses the player counts of popular fighting games like Street Fighter 6, Tekken 8, Dragon Ball FighterZ, and Mortal Kombat 1, which have maxed out between 38,000 and 70,000 players.

Sparking Zero Overtakes Fighting Game Legends on Steam

While it may seem surprising that a game in early access is outshining some of Steam's top-tier fighting games, the numbers are understandable when you consider the appeal of Dragon Ball: Sparking Zero. Fans on Reddit have pointed out how the game’s success is largely driven by the enduring popularity of the Dragon Ball universe, as well as its refined gameplay and user-friendly approach compared to other leading fighting titles.

Additionally, Sparking Zero acts as a spiritual successor to Dragon Ball Z: Budokai Tenkaichi 3, reviving the nostalgia of a fan-favorite series, which has played a crucial role in capturing the attention of both old and new fans of the franchise.

Early feedback for the game has been overwhelmingly positive, with players praising its intuitive yet deep gameplay mechanics and the expansive roster of 181 characters. Featuring a multitude of beloved figures from the Dragon Ball saga, Sparking Zero is quickly carving out its place in the hearts of fighting game enthusiasts.

DLC and Future Plans Boost Sparking Zero's Long-Term Potential

The impressive launch of Dragon Ball: Sparking Zero promises strong ongoing support, with players already able to purchase a Season Pass, two Anime Packs, and exclusive cosmetics tied to the Ultimate edition. Recent leaks have also hinted at the arrival of a new DLC called the “Martial Arts Pack,” although the exact contents of this upcoming expansion are still under wraps.

Given the game’s rapid rise and overwhelmingly positive reception, it’s clear that Dragon Ball: Sparking Zero is more than just another fighting game—it’s a force to be reckoned with. As the full release approaches and more content is rolled out, this title is set to dominate the fighting game genre well into the future.